Ethan Lee Skinner, age 28, of Indianapolis, IN, formerly of Evansville, IN, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at his home. His untimely departure has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Born on June 18, 1996, in Henderson, KY, to Curtis and Karen Skinner, Ethan led a life filled with passion, adventure, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and faith.
Ethan Skinner was a young man who embraced life to the fullest. He had a deep love for the great outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and snowboarding. He also pursued Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a sport that combined his physical skills with mental discipline. His sense of adventure was matched only by his infectious joy for life. Those who spent time with him knew that every moment was cherished, whether exploring nature or simply enjoying the company of his loved ones.
Ethan’s talents extended beyond physical pursuits. He was a remarkably skilled musician, proficient in vocals, piano, guitar, and trumpet. Music was more than a hobby for him—it was a calling. Ethan used his musical gifts to serve others, particularly in the context of worship. His dedication to praising the Lord through song brought joy and inspiration to many. His performances, whether in front of a congregation or in a more intimate setting, always radiated his deep faith and his desire to lead others in their spiritual journeys.
Ethan’s commitment to personal growth and achievement was evident throughout his life. He graduated from Evansville North High School in 2015, where he was an enthusiastic member of the North Green Brigade marching band. His passion for music and leadership was evident even then. After high school, he pursued higher education at Indiana University’s prestigious Kelley School of Business, graduating in 2018. Recently, Ethan had completed the licensing requirements to become a State Farm agent, marking the beginning of what promised to be a successful and fulfilling career. His work ethic, combined with his genuine love for helping others, made him well-suited for the path he was embarking upon.
For Ethan, life was all about relationships. He cherished his family, especially his loving wife of three years, Riley (Hanagan) Skinner. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Ethan’s bond with his parents, Curtis and Karen Skinner, was deeply rooted in love and respect. His sister, Dylan Wathen, along with her husband Ryan and their children Audrey and Theodore “Teddy,” were also central to his life. Ethan’s connection with his extended family, including his grandparents John, Lynn, and Mary Skinner, and Melissa Stengell, as well as his parents-in-law, Thomas and Tiffini Hanagan, was a source of immense joy and support.
Ethan was also deeply committed to his faith, which served as the cornerstone of his life. His involvement in worship, not only as a musician but also as a leader, reflected his belief in the power of faith to bring people together and uplift their spirits. His church community at Grace Fellowship Church and beyond will deeply feel the loss of such a vibrant and faithful soul.
Ethan is preceded in death by several beloved family members, including his cousin, Drew Sims; his aunt, Lori Orange Wilson; and his grandfather, Ronnie Stengell. These losses undoubtedly shaped his compassionate nature and his deep empathy for others.
Funeral arrangements and obituary
A service to celebrate Ethan’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Christian Fellowship Church, located at 4100 Millersburg Rd, Evansville, IN 47725. Burial will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery, offering a final place of rest for a man who gave so much to those around him.
Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins. A Live Stream of the service will also be available, allowing those unable to attend in person to honor Ethan’s memory from afar.
Ethan’s life was one of joy, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His smile could brighten any room, and his laughter was infectious. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, his generosity, and his ability to make everyone feel like they belonged.
For those looking to honor Ethan’s memory, his family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Ethan Skinner Memorial Fund at Grace Fellowship Church, located at 6121 East County Road 100 South, Avon, IN 46123. Donations will ensure that Ethan’s legacy of faith and service continues to inspire and support others.
As we say goodbye to Ethan, we remember the extraordinary person he was. Though his time with us was far too short, the impact he made will last a lifetime.
